25 cool life hacks with plastic ties

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Quick repairs, creative crafts and useful tricks that many do not even know about.

1. Connect the ties

When one tie is not enough, and others are not at hand, you can make one long tie by simply connecting several short ones together.

2. Get rid of sharp ends

When cut with nippers or scissors, the ends of the ties are quite sharp and can cause injury. This can be easily avoided if you do not cut, but break the ends by twisting them with pliers.

3. Disconnect the ties without a knife

Plastic ties are considered one-piece fasteners, but they can actually be opened. To do this, you need to carefully open the latch by lifting it with a pin, tweezers or other thin object.

4. Reuse the ties

The tie can be reused by cutting it as far away from the lock as possible and removing the cut end. The length will decrease, but the clamp will still work.

5. Store screeds in a bundle

The screeds are inconvenient to remove from the bags in which they are sold. And if you store these things in bulk, then they get confused. The option is simpler and more convenient - to fasten the ties in a bundle.

6. Or in blocks

Another good option is to string several ties onto one and store in the form of such cassette blocks. They are easy to remove and fold very compact.

7. Clean up the cables

Ties do more than just tie up wires. With their help, it is easy to organize cables into neat bundles that do not get tangled and are conveniently attached to a table or wall.

8. Make a smartphone stand

It is very easy to whip up a phone holder from two clamps of suitable length. To do this, it is enough to pull the gadget around the edges, releasing the ends of the ties back and using them as a stop.

9. Use zip ties as a binder

You urgently need to staple several sheets, but, as luck would have it, there is no folder-binder at hand? Use screeds, they are just as good! True, if you need to add more sheets, the clamps will have to be cut.

10. Repair the zipper

Using a lock with a broken tongue is a pleasure. One of the easiest ways to fix it is to install a plastic tie on the slider by making a ring out of it and cutting off the free end.

11. Make a gimbal for your smartphone

Is the power outlet high and the phone hangs in the air while charging? Make a simple gimbal for it that will attach to the power adapter.

12. Replace the broken curtain ring

One of the broken rings on a shower curtain (or even a regular curtain) can be easily replaced with plastic ties. Thread them through the holes, throw them over the bar and cut off the excess ends. Ready!

13. Make a potholder for the lid

It is easy to make a convenient potholder for the pot lid from an ordinary plastic clamp. Just tighten it on the handle. Now you can lift the lid while cooking without getting burned.

14. Fasten your keychain

Who said keys should be on a metal ring? The strap on the plastic strap is just as good. Yes, to remove or add a key, you will have to cut the clamp, but usually this is not often necessary.

15. Make a leash for the dog

Even small plastic clips can be used to make a leash for small breed dogs. Make rings and chain them to the desired length. Leave a larger ring for the handle, and attach the other end to the collar through a carabiner.

16. Store cables correctly

The ever-confusing charging cables and earbuds are easy to tidy up with a simple plastic tie organizer. To make it, it is enough to insert the end of the clamp into the lock with the non-working side.

17. Make a bubble wand

When the stick from the kit is lost or broken, it can be replaced with an analogue made from a plastic tie. It is done very simply: just thread one end into the lock and form a ring.

18. Fix the cabinet handle

When there are no screws or a screwdriver at hand, you can quickly fix a broken drawer handle using zip ties. Fasten them in the holes, and then connect them together.

19. Make spikes for your bike

If you do not have studded tires, but still want to ride a bike on snow and ice, you can build an impromptu studded with clamps. Just wrap them around the tires, cut off the protruding ends - and off you go.

20. Use zip ties instead of fishing line

Out of trimmer line and need to cut your lawn urgently? Not a problem! Just load a couple more zip ties into the drum.

21. Make a cool lampshade

Plastic ties can be used not only as fasteners, but also as a decorative element. Make a mesh frame, hang it with colorful ties - you get a creative lampshade for a lamp or chandelier. True, it will take a lot of clamps and the same amount of patience.

22. Clean the sink drain

With a simple screed, you can easily remove the blockage. To do this, you need to make notches around the edges with a knife or scissors to get burrs, which, when turning the tie, will cling to hair and other debris from the drain.

23. Repair the latch on the network cable

If you don't feel like re-crimping an Ethernet port with a broken latch, a plastic tie will help out. Cut off the lock on it to reduce its height, attach the old latch in place and insert it into the router. For reliability, you can fix an impromptu latch on the cable with another tie.

24. Use zip ties in crafts

Plastic ties are the ideal type of fastener for a variety of crafts. With their help, for example, you can make a pretty mat out of a leaky garden hose. And if you add a board along the edge, you get a practical basket for leaves and other needs on the site.

25. Repair the puncture of the bike tire

When the patch is not at hand, you can use the two zip ties for an emergency repair of the punctured tire. Remove the tube from the tire, locate the hole, and then simply tighten the two clips to separate the punctured area.